Study Abroad in Florence Italy
A city that challenges the concepts of past, present, and future: Florence, a European center of art, history, and culture, is the capital of the Italian region of Tuscany. Its geographic location allows easy access to every region of Italy; Florence has changed global and Western thought considering its revolutionary impact through the first banking systems, the widening of architectural and artistic perspectives during the Renaissance, and modern political science and philosophy.
It is an excellent compass for navigating Italian culture through its linguistic importance, an ambassador of Italian regionality through its capital position in Tuscany, a site where many of Italy’s important moments unfolded throughout time.
Florence today, with its unique characteristics coupled with a primary position in international and Italian tourism, economy, and culture, is an intriguing example of how past, present, and future blend together in a stimulating expression of the European city.
"Students seeking to study abroad in Florence find themselves immersed in an environment where all areas of human experience and study offer continuous and multifold opportunities to learn and be profoundly changed by the life and activity taking place here."
Study Abroad Programs at FUA-AUF
Studying abroad at FUA-AUF is characterized by the institution’s projects in cultural integration. The institution’s position in the center of Florence places FUA-AUF in direct contact with the city’s culture, movements, and events. Our mission is to offer a unique academic experience, as well as an active understanding, participation, and contribution to the city by students from all disciplines, personal backgrounds, and nationalities. The benefits of studying abroad at FUA-AUF begin with the flexibility of the institution’s academic sessions offered throughout the year. An exceptionally broad and stimulating curriculum is available through diverse areas of studies and academic disciplines.
In addition to academics, studying abroad with FUA-AUF features several experiential components such as educational field trips, getting involved in the local culture through community service and volunteer opportunities, as well as extracurricular activities organized by FUA-AUF’s Student Life and Development Office whose dedicated staff assists students through every step of getting them to Florence, from admissions to academics and centrally located housing.
FUA-AUF works with many affiliate partners worldwide for the direct acceptance of credits. For students from non-affiliated institutions, academic credit can be issued through FUA-AUF’s School of Record.
Studying abroad at FUA-AUF offers flexible options throughout the year.
PLEASE NOTE: Course schedules are viewable for a complete list of courses offered in all academic sessions. Academic calendars are available with dates according to the sessions. Course selections may be subject to change depending on enrolment and availability. The approval of credit loads must be pre-approved in any given academic session. Students who wish to earn credits in addition to the regular load per session must receive approval from their home institution.
The following sessions are held at our campuses in Florence:
FUA-AUF offers the following for-credit and non-credit study abroad programs:
15-Week Fall and Spring Full Semesters
- Credit load: Up to 18 semester / 27 quarter credits (upon approval)
- Optional field learning week experience can be added prior to the semester (16 weeks) or in Intersession W2.
11-Week Fall and Spring Intensive Semesters
- Credit load: Up to 18 semester / 27 quarter credits (upon approval)
- Optional field learning week experience can be added prior to the semester (12 weeks).
12-Week Summer Semester
- Credit load: Up to 18 semester / 27 quarter credits (upon approval)
- Combines 3-week (Mon-Fri) and 6-week (Mon-Thurs) sessions over a 12-week period
- Optional field learning week experience can be added prior to the semester (13 weeks).
- The quarter structure combines consecutive 3-week intensive sessions and typically lasts 10 to 11 weeks (8 in the summer).
- 3-5 classes can be taken for a credit load ranging from 13.5 to 22.5 quarter credits.
- Optional field learning week experience can be added according to the academic calendar.
Intensive programs are offered year-round. Students can opt to take one 3-week intensive program or combine sessions. Summer sessions are also offered on a 1,4, and 6-week basis. Please consult the summer sessions for information on how they can be combined.
1-Week Field Learning Sessions
- Credit load: 3 semester credit / 4.5 quarter credit or non-credit option
- Can be combined with other academic sessions.
- These sessions consist of on-site study and research in locations unique for their local cultures, economies, histories, and societies. Lectures, visits to historic and contemporary sites, tastes of local gastronomy, expanded cultural horizons, and contact with local culture will directly strengthen and challenge perspectives of Italy.
3-Week Sessions: August/Jan Intersession + Session I-II-III-IV (Fall, Spring, Summer)
- Credit load: up to 6 semester / 9 quarter credits (upon approval)
6-Week Sessions (Summer only)
- Credit load: up to 12 semester / 18 quarter credits (upon approval)
- 3 and 6-week sessions can be combined
TuttoToscana Study Away Program (Fall 1 or 4 Weeks)
- Focus on event management and food production for special events.
- Features real events managed by program participants at the James Beard Foundation
- 4-week 6-credit option begins in Florence with 3-week session and ends with the event week in NYC.
- 1-week 3-credit option takes place entirely in NYC.
FUA-AUF offers several opportunities to integrate experiential learning and professionalizing experiences in Florence. Program offerings are offered on both a for credit and non-credit basis:
- Experiential learning integrated to 3 and 6-credit course offerings.
- Special Project Experiential Learning (SPEL) placements within the campus network of Community Engagement Member Institutions.
- External Internship placements with locations approved by the SPEL-Intenrship Department
Please visit our experiential learning page for further details.
Iconic Florence is a unique approach to remote learning, inspired by the innovation and cultural value of Florence and Italy. The goal is more than learning about Florence from afar – it is to experience Florence as a world-renowned symbol of culture in a significant and compelling manner.
Courses
Diverse subjects such as cultural studies, language, photography, fashion, food, and wellness are offered year-round.
Format
All courses take place in the 3-week sessions and feature a hybrid format of asynchronous coursework with periodical live sessions with faculty. Sessions can also be combined for multiple course and credit combinations.
Dates and Schedules
The schedule of classes can be consulted by selecting the “Iconic” filter along with AY, season, and session. Corresponding dates can be found in the academic calendar.
Please note: While private scholarships and aid may apply as normal to remote learning course enrollments, please note that Title IV aid is not applicable. Courses are open to pre-college students for college credit with the exception of courses involving wine appreciation.
Why Study Abroad in Florence
A city that challenges the concepts of past, present, and future: Florence, a European center of art, history, and culture, is the capital of the Italian region of Tuscany. Its geographic location allows easy access to every region of Italy; Florence has changed global and Western thought considering its revolutionary impact through the first banking systems, the widening of architectural and artistic perspectives during the Renaissance, and modern political science and philosophy. It is an excellent compass for navigating Italian culture through its linguistic importance, an ambassador of Italian regionality through its capital position in Tuscany, a site where many of Italy’s important moments unfolded throughout time. Florence today, with its unique characteristics coupled with a primary position in international and Italian tourism, economy, and culture, is an intriguing example of how past, present, and future blend together in a stimulating expression of the European city. Students seeking to study abroad in Florence find themselves immersed in an environment where all areas of human experience and study offer continuous and multifold opportunities to learn and be profoundly changed by the life and activity taking place here.
Course schedules are viewable for a complete list of courses offered in all academic sessions. Academic calendars are available with dates according to the sessions.
Course selections may be subject to change depending on enrolment and availability.
The approval of credit loads must be pre-approved in any given academic session, students who wish to earn credits in addition to the regular load per session must receive approval from their home institution.